Congratulations to Stefanie McKenzie on Her Admission to the Bar AWS Legal is proud to congratulate Stefanie McKenzie on her admission to the Bar, a significant milestone in her legal career. Stefanie was formally admitted at the Christchurch High Court on Friday, 19 June 2026, in a ceremony attended by her close friends and family. […]
The Government’s recent update to the Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa has created a significant opportunity for international investors wishing to build meaningful connections in Aotearoa New Zealand. One of the most exciting new developments is the inclusion of philanthropic giving within the investment framework. Under the new guidelines, up to 20% of an investor’s […]
Read More… from AIP Visa Changes Open New Doors for Investors and Community
We are delighted to congratulate Millie Fox on her admission to the Bar, a significant milestone in her legal career.. Millie was formally admitted in Auckland on 8 May 2026, marking the culmination of years of dedication, study, and perseverance. The ceremony was a special occasion shared with those closest to her, including her partner, […]
AWS Legal is proud to congratulate Morgane Mitchell on her admission to the Bar. Morgane was admitted at the Invercargill High Court on Tuesday 14 April, before The Honourable Justice Lang, with Eugene Roud appearing as her moving counsel. The ceremony was attended by Morgane’s sister, Jade, and her father, David, who travelled from Vietnam […]
Parliament has passed significant changes to New Zealand’s restricted trading day alcohol rules — removing the “substantial meal” requirement for on-licences, extending cellar door rights for wine producers, and enabling RSAs to welcome the general public on Anzac Day morning. Key Points at a Glance Background: New Zealand’s Restricted Trading Days The Sale and Supply […]
Read More… from Holiday Alcohol Restrictions Overhauled: What Licence Holders Need to Know
Author | Isobel Howe & Haydon Cunninghame As of today, the updated Active Investor Plus Visa settings are officially in force, signalling a renewed focus on attracting high-value, growth-oriented investment into Aotearoa New Zealand. While this is a nationwide change, the implications for Queenstown and Southland are particularly interesting. Our region has long been built […]
More than 20% of properties currently listed in the Queenstown Lakes District are valued at NZ$5 million or more (realestate.co.nz, December 2025). This reflects the high concentration of premium homes in Otago and underscores Queenstown’s status as New Zealand’s leading luxury lifestyle market. On 13 December 2025, the New Zealand Government passed the Overseas Investment […]
Read More… from Active Investor Plus Visa Update: Queenstown Luxury Homes Within Reach
AWS Legal is proud to celebrate the recent admission of Grace Milne as a Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. Grace was formally admitted at a ceremony held in Dunedin on 21 October 2025, surrounded by her closest supporters – including her mother Janet Copeland (who had the honour of acting as her […]
Read More… from Congratulations Grace Milne – Admitted to the Bar!
On 1 September 2025, the government announced that overseas persons with an Active Investor Plus Residency Visa (the “Golden Visa”) will soon be able to purchase one home in New Zealand worth over $5 million. Following that announcement, we have received a high level of enquiry regarding the proposed changes. While there is still a […]
Read More… from Overseas Investors – New Zealand’s “Golden Visa” Property Pathway – FAQs
What’s changing — and why it matters The Biometric Processing Privacy Code 2025 has been finalised and will take effect on 3 November 2025. It replaces the general Information Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 2020 wherever automated biometric processing is used. Organisations already using biometric systems before that date have until 3 August 2026 to […]
Read More… from Navigating the New Biometric Processing Privacy Code: What Businesses Need to Know